June is a time for winding down lessons and practice and getting ready for vacations and relaxation. It’s a time for kids to take a break from busy lifestyles, and change up their daily activities.
But as they step away from the school halls, does that mean taking a summer break from piano is a good thing too?
Summer camps and outside activities may take center stage. But does that mean you should put piano lessons on hiatus?
There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t. Piano playing isn’t the same as taking tests and studying hard. Piano is a lifelong activity that has many benefits to your lifestyle.
Certain skills should never be put on hold. That’s why teachers provide reading lists for the summer. It’s a way to keep comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking active every single week of the year.
The same applies to an instrument. If you stop playing the piano, a child can quickly lose interest. Too long of a break can break motivation and reduce skills enough, making starting up again less enjoyable.
That’s why a change in the summer routine may be a better approach.
Change up the schedule. During the school year, it may make sense to practice when arriving home from school. During the summer, try a practice schedule in the early morning before the day’s activities set in.
Use different music. Make it more enjoyable. Is there something your child has wanted to play? Your piano instructor may be filled with ideas for creating an environment filled with fun. You can also find a variety of ideas online to help change up the routine.
Use this time to create an atmosphere of self-discipline and self-discovery. Music should bring enjoyment and relaxation into your life. Playing the piano is all about stress relief and enjoying the process.
What can you do to encourage your child to build a stronger love for the process? What will have them enjoy the process of creating music rather than looking at it as a chore?
Summer break is here. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to step away from the things that bring enjoyment. What works to keep your child active and interested in playing the piano?
